Ford Introduces High-Trim Kuga / Escape Titanium X Sport In U.K.

Top-Trim Escape Equivalent Tops $44,000

Compact crossovers are big business, not only in the U.S., but also overseas. To cash in on the popularity of the segment, as well as buyers' seemingly insatiable demand for premium features, Ford is adding a new model to the top of its Kuga line in the U.K., the new Kuga Titanium X Sport. The new top-of-the-line crossover starts at the equivalent of $44,369 in Britain, or roughly $7000 more than a top-of-the-line Escape in the U.S.

Ford cites that 80 percent of Kuga sales in the U.K. are of the high-trim Titanium or Titanium X models, with 85 percent of Kuga customers opting for the appearance pack, and 40 percent choosing the convenience pack, which includes power folding outside mirrors and park assist. A kick-activated power tailgate is purchased by 25 percent.

We contacted product representatives for the U.S.-spec Escape to ask if any of the Kuga Titanium X Sport's pieces could find their way onto the Escape, but as of the time of this writing, have not gotten a response. If you're willing to pay the cross-Atlantic freight, we suspect many of the pieces should bolt right on, especially those stylish 19-inch wheels.